Dislikes

The Lincoln Navigator is behind the times in many ways, but still has that uniquely American feel that comes from sheer size.

The 2014 Lincoln Navigator may be one of the last bastions of old-style American luxury, as embodied in a full-size, truck-based, body-on-frame luxury sport-utility vehicle. Lincoln's biggest and oldest vehicle offers a more luxurious take on the Ford Expedition, seemingly designed for the Middle American buyers it abandoned when the Town Car was discontinued. If success is signaled by a 72-ounce steak and an ever-present fantasy that you may need to tow a loaded horse trailer, this is the vehicle for you.

The design of the Navigator, based on a Ford F-150 from two generations earlier, is now relatively dated. It's not been substantially changed for almost a decade, and the smoothed-and-rounded corners of its boxy shape recall Ford's pickup trucks of years earlier. The same criticism applies to the Expedition as well, but the large Lincoln is now by far the oldest luxury utility vehicle in its segment.

At once iconic and retro (in both a good and bad way), the Navigator's design incorporates themes and trinkets from Lincoln heritage going back to the 1960s, employed with a boldness that compares to that of the Cadillac Escalade. Inside the retro-themed gauges and styling no longer look fresh (retro-grade?), although they convey the luxury message.

Vehicles as large as the Navigator can sometimes disappoint on functionality. But t here; you'll find big seats but also reasonably good versatility and one of the best interiors of any large SUV. And just like the Expedition and other SUVs in this class, the Navigator is offered in two different lengths--Navigator and Navigator L. The Navigator L adds 14.7 inches of overall length while doling out an additional 24.5 cubic feet of cargo space. Plus, power fold capability means the third row can be quickly and easily stowed when not in use, and it can be used to scoot faraway cargo toward the rear, as it moves the cargo aft when unfolding the seats.

It's under the hood where Lincoln's big SUV can be disappointing. The Navigator racks up yet another model year with a powertrain that puts it at a disadvantage compared to most other big, truck-based SUVs. With 310 horsepower, the Navigator's 5.4-liter V-8 is woefully underpowered against nearly every competing model. That makes it no surprise that the Navigator isn't quick--though the six-speed automatic transmission makes the best of it, delivering smooth, decisive shifts, and most of the lineup can be equipped with either rear- or four-wheel drive.

If you're okay with merely adequate power, the Navigator handles better than many other models this big and heavy. Its roadholding feels more confident--if hardly sporty--than you'd expect from the land yacht it is. The Navigator remains a reasonably match for weekend towing needs--at a rating of 9,100 pounds max--but consider that with a curb weight of around 6,200 pounds, it's a strained relationship.

Compared to the more basic models of the Ford Expedition, which the Navigator is related to, the Lincoln gets better materials and trims even though their interiors are essentially of the same design. Noise insulation, higher-grade materials and more touchable finishes make the Navigator a true luxury-grade vehicle. A few small exceptions to the quality feel are the hard plastic trim elements, chrome-painted plastics, and sometimes cheap-feeling switchgear. Despite the small downside, there's no shortage of handy small storage spaces or cupholders.

The 2014 Lincoln Navigator isn't cutting-edge, but it does offer a very long list of features combined with some over-the-top luxury features like cooled front seats, power-deploying running boards, and a power-folding third-row seat. What's sorely missing from the Navigator's feature set is a modern infotainment system, such as MyLincoln Touch. But an EasyFuel capless fuel fill and heated second-row seats are on the standard-feature list and options include a power moonroof, rear-seat DVD system, perimeter alarm, illuminated entry with approach lamps, remote start, and adjustable pedals.

the 2015 Navigator is just a rehash of previous years with a new nose and new rear tailgate lighting.

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I am very disappointed with the 2015 Navigator I have. It really is just a Ford Expedition with a few minor improvements. I definitely would not consider it to be a luxury SUV, far from it. The instrument...
I am very disappointed with the 2015 Navigator I have. It really is just a Ford Expedition with a few minor improvements. I definitely would not consider it to be a luxury SUV, far from it. The instrument cluster is exactly the same as the 2015 Ford Taurus. There are also too many small buttons on the steering wheel. The Sync telematics system is antiquate, very cumbersome to use. A major flaw is the auxiliary electric radiator cooling fan. The noise produced is very significant, yet it is deemed to be acceptable by Lincoln/Ford. The 2015 Expedition has the same problem....which it should since it is what the Navigator is based on. The Navigator is also lacking in technology. It does have blind spot monitoring, but that is about it. There is no collision avoidance system, adaptive cruise control or lane change awareness option available. The Eco-Boost V6 is also not fuel efficient. I would advise anyone that is considering a Navigator to consider another SUV, a non-Ford Motor Company SUV. + More »

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February 4, 2015

For 2015 Lincoln Navigator

Luxury, Performance and Capability

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There seems to be a lot of misinformation and unfounded criticism about this truck on the Internet so I'd like to provide some facts and an informed opinion since I own one. First of all the truck runs on...
There seems to be a lot of misinformation and unfounded criticism about this truck on the Internet so I'd like to provide some facts and an informed opinion since I own one. First of all the truck runs on regular and that's what is recommended in the owners manual. It will take super and maybe needs it to get the quoted 380 hp and 460 ft lbs but I've used both and can't tell much difference.The ecoboost is surprisingly quick under light throttle (better than the new Chevy v8s I test drove) and makes this 6k truck feel light and if you ease into the throttle and ride the boost you'll be up to 80 in no time. Body design may be old school compared to the new Chevy designs but visibility, space, and comfort are better. Lcd Guage cluster is also nicer than tahoe or Denali (not Escalade). I bought this truck because it is nicer to drive and much better value than Chevy and GMC trucks in my opinion. My opinion seems rare but if you are in the market I strongly recommend driving this vehicle before judging. The Escalade is a different beast altogether and I doubt will really be cross shopped with the Navigator but what a great alternative this is. Old school functionality and comfort (big mirrors to see what your towing unlike any of the chevys) and nice bold truck like looks (the Tahoe has a spoiler so low u have worry about scraping on a curb unless u get Z71) and a modern superior drivetrain and electectronics. It just works better than the chevys with torque down low for towing and good throttle response instead having to wind out a v8 to get moving. One negative is unlike a naturally aspirated v8 mashing the throttle too sharply (counterproductive) when going slow can cause a high Rev low thrust situation like you are driving a normally aspirated Penta star v6 but accelerating a fraction of a second slower and you will be in boost. To sum up if u want a grocery getter for the wife that gets good mileage in highway get the Tahoe (4 cylinder mode) with a nice modern car like interior get the Tahoe. Get Denali if u just have to have that v8 sound.Get the Escalade if you value form over function and want bling. Get the Navigator if u want the best standard options (power running boards, cooled seats, auto leveling and towing, THX surround , Lincoln my touch nav) functionality and performance for the money. I have the L and a heavy foot and get a about 14.5 around town on regular but can get about 17 if I drive normal and about 20 or little better on the highway. (Haven't tested this much) This is subjective but I like the looks too. I've never been a truck guy though (daily was Porsche 911 past 10 yrs) and bought this to tow boat on family vacatoinsbut think it's kind of funny people online saying the styling is bad or whatever as if any box on wheels is that much better looking than another. It's personal preference I guess but they all have giant grills and the more boxy the more space. Just like in a Porsche the gearshift is perfect for a sports car so is lincoln with its nice solid pistol grip shifter just like you want in truck (not some column shifter that remindsu of ur old Delta 88) If I run into any problems I'll update but so far one of the nicest vehicles I've ever owned by a longshot. + More »

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August 23, 2016

For 2010 Lincoln Navigator

I love my vehicle!!

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I love, love, love my 2010 Lincoln Navigator!! There is however one thing that is troubling me. I've been hearing a knocking/tapping sound that sounds to be coming from the inside dash. I've done a vehicle...
I love, love, love my 2010 Lincoln Navigator!! There is however one thing that is troubling me. I've been hearing a knocking/tapping sound that sounds to be coming from the inside dash. I've done a vehicle history report and all was well. Any idea what this could be? + More »